I’ve been trying to leave San Francisco since 2014. After pretending to retire in 2012, I thought it made sense to move to a more affordable place like Honolulu to save money and be closer to my family. Honolulu isn’t exactly cheap, but it’s definitely more budget-friendly than San Francisco! However, every time I attempt to leave, San Francisco somehow manages to pull me back in. Here’s why:
In 2014, I stumbled upon a reasonably priced ocean-view home in San Francisco, so I opted for it instead of a much pricier ocean-view home in Honolulu. In 2017, we had our first child, and we decided to stay for consistency. As new parents, we were dealing with enough stress. In 2019, our second child arrived. Having familiar doctors around when you have a newborn is a huge comfort. The pandemic hit in 2020, forcing us to stay put for several months. Moving to a new city with an infant and a three-and-a-half-year-old during a pandemic would only add more uncertainty. In 2021, our son got into a Mandarin immersion school and has been enjoying it, making it tough to uproot him and place him in a different school. In the fourth quarter of 2023, an opportunity arose to buy our dream home at a more affordable price, so we seized it. By fall 2024, with both kids in school full-time, the prospect of returning to full-time work emerged. San Francisco offers more job opportunities compared to Honolulu. Looking ahead to 2025 and beyond, the AI boom is expected to enrich those involved with private AI companies.
Having a family complicates leaving any city. If we didn’t have kids, my wife and I would likely have moved to Honolulu years ago. We yearned for a simpler life by the ocean with perpetual warm weather. We had enough to live comfortably, though not extravagantly. I envisioned renovating my grandparents’ old farmhouse in Waianae and living off the land. Mornings would start with breakfast, followed by boogie boarding or surfing at the beach. Afterward, we’d savor some poké, take a nap, and perhaps go for an evening hike. Despite losing status and prestige, we believed we’d be mentally and physically healthier and happier, a trade-off worth making over just chasing money. However, having kids changed everything. Once you have a family, inertia sets in, making relocation a daunting task due to ties to your home, school, friends, network, and healthcare providers.
San Francisco holds a special place in my heart. Having lived in six other countries and visited over 150 cities worldwide, I rank San Francisco among the top five cities globally. The mild year-round weather is perfect for outdoor activities. The city and its surroundings are stunning, especially if you can reside in a home with a view. Napa/Sonoma Valley is a short drive away, and Lake Tahoe offers world-class skiing just a few hours away. The city’s proximity to Hawaii and Asia, along with renowned universities like Berkeley and Stanford, make it a desirable location. San Francisco boasts a vibrant culinary scene, abundant job opportunities, and a diverse population. Despite its appeal, no city is flawless. San Francisco has its share of drawbacks, including corrupt officials, government inefficiencies, crime, homelessness, high living costs, intense work culture in certain sectors, and bureaucratic hurdles.
Excitement plays a significant role in my decision to stay in San Francisco. As someone who easily gets bored, I thrive in a dynamic city where something interesting is always happening. Recent events like hosting APEC and the OpenAI CEO controversy have kept me engaged and intrigued. The influx of global leaders, celebrities, and media attention during APEC brought a surge of interest, investments, and job opportunities to the city. The OpenAI saga, reminiscent of a high-stakes drama, captivated the tech world’s attention, underscoring San Francisco’s significance in the AI realm. The city’s allure lies in its ability to attract attention and opportunities, making it hard to leave when there’s so much happening.
The fear of missing out on lucrative opportunities and the potential repercussions of leaving San Francisco weigh heavily on my mind. Being in the right place at the right time is crucial for success, especially in a city teeming with decision-makers and innovation. Building strong relationships is key to navigating career advancements, investments, and other ventures. Leaving San Francisco during the pandemic posed risks of losing out on valuable connections, job prospects, and property investments. The city’s tech and AI landscape, coupled with its vibrant atmosphere, make it a compelling place to stay for those seeking growth and excitement.
Transitioning from a non-profit entity to a for-profit powerhouse, OpenAI’s evolution reflects the changing landscape of AI and technology. The shift towards profitability underscores the competitive nature of capitalism and the pursuit of wealth and influence. While AI offers promising advancements in various fields like healthcare, it also raises concerns about job displacement and ethical implications. Investing in AI companies and technologies is not just a financial strategy but a means of preparing for a future where AI plays a dominant role in society. As a parent, safeguarding my children’s future against potential job disruptions and economic uncertainties is a top priority. By aligning investments with AI trends and industry shifts, I aim to secure their financial well-being and adapt to the evolving job market.
The prospect of AI reshaping industries and job markets underscores the need for strategic investments and career planning. As AI continues to advance, the job landscape will undergo significant transformations, posing challenges for future generations. By anticipating these changes and proactively investing in AI ventures, individuals can position themselves for success and mitigate the risks associated with technological disruptions. Balancing financial security with career prospects is essential for navigating the evolving AI-driven economy and ensuring long-term stability for oneself and future generations.
